Maldives

With its exquisite string of jewel-like islands floating serenely in warm crystal-clear waters, its shimmering blue lagoons and its abundance of romantic hideaways, it’s little wonder that the Maldives is consistently voted one of the world’s top honeymoon destinations. Although it’s not possible to have a legal wedding here, the exotic beauty of the islands, and the unrivalled levels of seclusion and tranquillity they offer, mean that there is probably no more magical place on earth for a honeymoon or a renewal of vows.

The Maldives consists of about 1,200 low-lying coral islands, only about 200 inhabited, grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, about 250 miles south-west of India. It is a Muslim nation, but the culture is a mix of many influences, including Arab, African, Indian and European, making the Maldivians an incredibly diverse and welcoming community. Equally welcoming is the climate, with temperatures averaging 30o all year round.

Why the Maldives for My Honeymoon or Wedding Blessing?

Without doubt, among the many attractions of the Maldives for romantic couples, one of the greatest is the unsurpassed levels of privacy and seclusion you can enjoy, on what can seem like your own private island. The Maldives are unique in that every hotel is based on its very own island, only reached by seaplane, and surrounded by miles of sparkling ocean, far removed from traffic, crowds and the stresses of ordinary life. Not only this, but it’s often possible for a couple to take a boat to an uninhabited island and spend the day on their own, only returning for a luxurious spa treatment, cocktails at sunset, and a gourmet dinner under the stars.

The Maldivian people themselves, of course, are very aware of the sublime nature of their surroundings, and pull out all the stops to make your stay as romantic as possible. The trademark accommodation type on the Maldives is the water villa, on stilts over the sea, often with an infinity pool beside your own private deck, so you awake every morning to the lapping of the waves, literally all around you. Four-poster beds, Jacuzzis, and personal villa hosts often come as standard.

The Maldivians’ enthusiasm to welcome honeymooners also means that special honeymoon packages for couples are available at virtually all the top resorts. These can include a romantic luxury picnic, or even dinner and overnight stay, on an uninhabited island, or a specially arranged dolphin-spotting cruise at sunset, accompanied by champagne and canapés. Some resorts offer an arriving couple a private honeymoon hut or bungalow for the night, with champagne, flowers, a special dinner, and a sumptuous breakfast in bed the next morning.

As well as honeymoons, the idyllic surroundings of the Maldives make them just as perfect a destination for other romantic occasions, like a marriage blessing or renewal of vows. Many Maldives resorts offer special packages for these too, often including a private gazebo on the beach, in a garden or at the end of a pier, and arrange a celebration with a Master of Ceremonies, a cake and champagne. These can be accompanied by traditional performances by Maldivian Bodu Beru dancers and drummers, and your celebrations could be enhanced by a romantic sunset dhoni cruise, or a coconut-palm planting ceremony for a permanent record of your day.

Part of the attraction of the Maldives is that each of the 26 atolls has its own character, so you can choose what appeals to you most. The north and south Ari Atolls offer the easiest access to the capital Malé, while the outer atolls, north and south, have the richest marine life for diving and snorkelling, and the Raa and Lhaviyani Atolls are the remotest and least chartered. But whichever bit of the Maldives you choose, their breathtaking loveliness and exceptionally romantic atmosphere mean you can relive the magic of your special day in all its fullness.

Please contact us for more information and to arrange for one of our wedding specialists to help plan your Mauritius wedding